Fluid separator



G. B. RICHARDS FLUID SEPARATOR May 5, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb.20, 1963 INVENTOR.

Gemyel? F 110/1617 d9 5 BY l 1 FM QM 352% I May 5, 1964 Filed Feb. 20,1963 as. RICHARDS 3,131,709

FLUID SEPARATOR 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 60227 5 Pic'fiara United States PatentOfiFice 3,131,709 Patented May 5, 1964 3,131,709 FLUID SEPARATGR GeorgeB. Richards, Lake Forest, Ill., assignor to Liquid Controls(Iorporation, North Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Filed Feb.26, 1963, Ser. No. 259,836 13 Ciairns. (Ci. 137-202) This inventionrelates to actuator mechanisms and has to do more particularly with anew and improved actuating mechanism of the character wherein anactuator is connected to resilient bowed pressure elements whichposition the actuator from movement in either of two directions along apredetermined path.

One example of an actuator mechanism of the general character to whichthe present invention relates is shown, described and claimed in UnitedStates Patent No. 3,021,- 861, granted February 20, 1962, to HenryRobert Billeter and George B. Richards. The said Billeter and Richardspatent in the illustrative embodiment discloses the actuator mechanismas employed in a liquid-level controlled device such as an aireliminator or liquid segregator or others wherein is provided a casingdefining a chamber having an opening thereinto, a plurality of internalface portions disposed about an axis, an actuator movable in the chamberalong the axis, a plurality of normally fiat, resilient strip members orpressure elements having first portions secured to said casing adjacentthe face portions, second portions secured to the actuator, andintermediate portions which are free and maintained in bowed shape, eachstrip member being sent back upon itself and of sufficient length toform two generally opposed portions, one lying against the correspondingface whereby each of the strip members exerts a force on the face withwhich it cooperates and the strip members position the actuator on theaxis for movement therealong between a first position wherein the stripmembers lie against the corresponding faces to a predetermined extent,and a second position wherein the strip members lie against the faces toa lesser extent. In the illustrative embodiment, the strip members aremoved between positions exposing orifices in the faces and positionsclosing such orifices and thus serve as valve elements.

In the invention disclosed in the aforesaid patent the strip members, orstrips, are of uniform cross section throughout their effective lengthsand have uniform resistance throughout their effective lengths tobending stresses. Thus as the actuator is moved from one position toanother the strips maintain the same extent of bending and thus the sameenergy is recovered from the strips as is introduced so that there issubstantially no resistance offered nor assistance rendered by thestrips to the movement of the actuator. Thus the strips neither aid innor resist the movement of the actuator along the axis of movement.

I have found that there are numerous situations wherein it is desiredthat the strips impart a force to the actuator in one direction oranother along the axis of movement to aid in or resist the movementthereof along the axis of movement at least in a portion of themovement. For example, it is sometimes desirable to provide an aidingforce or a resisting force, or an aiding and then a resisting force, ora resisting and then an aiding force, or an action wherein for a portionof the travel of the actuator there is an aiding or a resisting forcebut for the remainder of the travel there is neither an aiding nor aresisting force thereon. The present invention in its severalembodiments provides a means for accomplishing the above describedactions.

In accordance with the present invention, the strips are formed to havein each of various portions along the length of the intermediateportion, and more particularly in the zone where the maximum bending ofthe strip takes place, different resistances to bending stress.Therefore, as the actuator is moved between its two positions, thestrips will vary in their resistance to bending and thus will provide aforce in the direction of the axis of movement of the actuator whichwill assist or resist the force applied to the actuator depending uponthe construction of the strips. In accordance with the invention, thestrips are so formed as to provide either an aiding force or a resistingforce, or first an aiding force and then a resisting force, or first aresisting force and then an aiding force, or an action wherein for aportion of the travel of the actuator there is an aiding or a resistingforce and for the remainder of the travel there is neither an aiding nora resisting force. This result is provided by forming the strips fromtwo components formed of different materials having different specificresistances to bending stress, with the relative transversecross-sections of the two components being different in various portionsof the strip member along its length. In one embodiment, this isaccomplished by forming the strip member of laminations of differentmaterials having different specific resistances to bending stress, withthe relative thicknesses of the two components being different invarious portions of the strip member along its length. In anotherembodiment, one component is embedded in the other component and has adifferent transverse cross-section in various portions of the stripmember along its length. In a further embodiment, a plurality of membersforming one component are embedded in the other component and extend fordifferent lengths, thereby providing a total cross-section of the firstcomponent which is different in various portions of the strip along itslength. In all the embodiments, the resistance to bending stress will bethe greatest in that portion wherein there is the largest transversecross-section of the component having the greater specific resistance tobending stress.

It will be understood that while the actuator is disclosed as taking theform of a float which is supported by a liquid and rises and falls withthe rise and fall of the level of the liquid, the actuator may beadapted to be moved in either direction by forces generated by othermeans than the level of a liquid. Thus the actuator may include meansother than a liquid supported float moving along the axis of movement,with the strips serving to position the actuator for movement along suchaxis. In such case, the actuator is supported and actuated by othermeans (not shown) and the strips serve to position the actuator and toapply an axial force on the actuator which tends to move it along theaxis. Where the actuator is thus formed, it may be positioned formovement along an axis other than a vertical axis. Thus, while thepresent invention finds wide application in connection with floatactuators and is disclosed in connection therewith, it is not limited tosuch applications.

It will also be understood that while in the present application thestrips or pressure elements or at least one of them is disclosed asserving as a valve member to close an orifice, the pressure elements mayserve merely as guiding or positioning elements and having no valvingfunction.

The present invention is especially well suited to use in a fluidseparator for separating two immiscible fluids of different specificgravities, such as an air eliminator or a liquid segregator, and isdisclosed in connection with an air eliminator but is not limited tosuch use.

An object of the present invention is to provide an actuating mechanismhaving an actuator and bowed strips for guiding the actuator wherein thestrips are so formed as to exert a force on the actuator in a directionalong the line of movement of the actuator.

Another object is to provide an actuating mechanism U having an actuatorand bowed strips for guiding the actuator for movement along apredetermined path, which strips in the various embodiments of theinvention are adapted to exert on the actuator an aiding force, or aresisting force, or an aiding force followed by a resisting force, or aresisting force followed by an aiding force, or an action wherein forone portion of the travel of the actuator there is neither an aiding nora resisting force and for another portion of the travel there is anaiding or a resisting force.

Still another object is to provide an actuator mechanism which is simpleand inexpensive to build, strong and rugged in construction, effectivein operation and which requires a minimum of servicing, repair andreplacement of parts over a long period of service.

Another object is to provide a novel float guide means for liquid-levelcontrolled devices.

Another object is to provide a novel float guide means for a float-typeactuator including bowed strips so formed as to guide the float along apredetermined path and adapted in the various embodiments of theinvention to exert on the actuator a lifting force, or a depressingforce, or a lifting force followed by a depressing force, or adepressing force followed by a lifting force, or an action wherein for aportion of the travel of the actuator there is neither a lifting forcenor a depressing force and for another portion of the travel there is alifting force or a depressing force.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear from thefollowing description taken in connection with the appended drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is an end elevational view of one form of air eliminatorembodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical section taken along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a face view of one of the strips shown in FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 5A is a side elevational view of the strip of FIG. 4;

FIGS. SE to 5D are side elevational views showing laminated stripswherein the two components vary in thickness in various portions alongthe length of the strip.

FIGS. 6A to 6B are a face view of strips formed by embedding onecomponent in the other component, which strips correspond generally intheir resistance to bending stress with the strips of FIG. 5A to FIG.5E, respectively.

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken along line '77 of FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 8A to 8E are face views of strips formed by embedding a pluralityof members formed of one component and of different lengths in the othercomponent, which strips correspond generally in their resistance tobending stress with the strips of FIGS. 5A to SE, respectively;

FIG. 9 is a view of a section taken along line 99 of FIG. 8A; and

FIG. 10 is a view of a section taken along line 1il10 of FIG. 9.

Inasmuch as my invention is especially well adapted for use in aireliminators, I have illustrated it in a preferred embodiment in itsapplication to an air eliminator. However, it will be understood as thedescription proceeds that the invention also is equally well adapted toother uses where an actuator and especially a liquid-level controlledactuator is employed.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the drawings, there isshown an air eliminator which includes a head 29 formed by a hollowcasing or housing 21, having a bottom flange 22 by which the head issecured to a flange 23 of a tank 24 which may be of any conven tionalconstruction. The head 2% is suitably secured to the tank 24, as forexample, by machine screws 25.

The interior of the air eliminator tank 24 communicates with theinterior of the head 2% through openings 30 (one of which is shown)formed in a plate 31, secured in the casing 21, as by a guide shaft 74threaded into the top of the casing 21 and a nut 33 threaded on thelower end of the shaft 7 4.

The casing 21, which at its lower portion is of generally circularcross-section and at its upper portion is of generally rectangularcross-section, defines a float chamber 35, which communicates relativelyfreely through the openings 30 with the interior of the tank 24.

The upper portion of the casing 21 is preferably of generallyrectangular cross-section and defines a valve chamber. Opposite portionsof the valve chamber are provided with openings 39a and 39b in its endswhich are closed by end plates 40a and 40b respectively, suitablysecured to the casing.

The end plates 40a and 4% are both provided with openings 42a and 42!)adapted to receive a pipe such as the pipe 43a shown threaded into theend plate 40a in FIG. 2. In the embodiment of the invention illustratedin FIG. 2 the opening 42b in the other end plate 40b is closed as by ascrew plug 49, although it is adapted to receive a pipe similar to thepipe 43a.

Interposed between the casing 21 and each of the end plates respectivelyare orifice plates 45a and 45b which are suitably secured in place andwhich are provided with vertically elongate orifices 46a and 4612respectively. The end plates 40a and 40b are recessed and provide withthe respective orifice plates 45a and 45b, chambers 47a and 47b whichcommunicate with the float chamber through the orifices 46a and 46b,except when the latter are closed by the valves hereinafter described.

Disposed against the inner face of the orifice plate 45a is a covergasket tla, formed with an orifice 61a corresponding in shape to theorifice 46a. A similar gasket 60b is provided for the orifice plate 45b.The gaskets 66a and 60b are clamped between the casing, and the orificeplates respectively, although they alternatively may be adhesivelysecured to the respective orifice plates in order to insure that theyare not displaced and that the orifices in the plates and gaskets remainin alignment. Ring gaskets 62a and 6217 are provided between the orificeplates 45a and 45b and the cover plates 40a and 40b respectively. Thegaskets are formed from a suitable material which is sufficientlyresilient to provide an effective seal between the respective membersand which is resistant to the liquid with which the air eliminator isadapted to be used. I have found that a synthetic rubber such asneoprene is excellently adapted for use in forming the gasket althoughother materials having the desired characteristics may be applied.

The chambers 47a and 47b are connected by two passages 48 formed in theupper portion of the casing 21. Thus, even though the right-hand chamber47b is closed from the exterior by the screw plug 49, nevertheless, itcommunicates with the exterior through the two passages 48, theleft-hand chamber 47a and the pipe 43. The passages 48 thus equalize thefluid pressure in the chambers 47a and 47b. The orifice plates 45a and45b as well as the gaskets 60a and 66b and 62a and 62b are provided withopenings 148, registering with the passages 48, whereby to permit freecommunication between the chambers 47a and 4711. When the valves(hereinafter described) are in open position, the interior of the casing21 (that is, the float chamber 35) communicates with the pipe 43 notonly through the left-hand orifice 46a, but

also through the right-hand orifice 46b.

Where it is desired that the valves function independently to exhaustair from the interior of the head to separate points, the plug 49 isreplaced by a pipe (not shown) threaded in the opening 42b and anorifice plate (not shown) which has no openings corresponding toopenings 1% is substituted for the orifice plate 45b. Thus, there is nocommunication between the chambers 47a and 47b.

The orifices 46a and 46b (as well as the orifices 61a and 61b) areadapted to be closed by valve elements 51a and 5112 which are similar inconstruction and according- 1y only one of the valve elements and theassociated portions of the air eliminator will be described in detail.

The valve element 51a sometimes called a read takes the form of anelongated normally fiat strip of flexible, resilient material, ashereinafter more fully described, which is inert to the liquid withwhich the air eliminator is adapted to be used.

The valve element 51a is of sufiicient width to extend across andcompletely close the orifice 46a when the valve is in closed positionand is of sufficient length to permit it to be mounted and actuated ashereinafter described.

The valve elernent or strip 51a is rigidly secured to the casing at apoint below the orifice 46a and in such position that the adjacentportion of the strip lies against the face of the inside cover gasket60a, as shown in FIG. 2, at all times. To this end, the lower end of thestrip is secured, as by a machine screw 63, to a boss 64 projecting fromthe body in position to suitably support the lower end of the valveelement in the desired position.

The boss 64 has an inclined face to which the unbent end of the strip51a is attached. This insures that the portion of the strip which liesagainst the gasket 60a is firmly maintained thereagainst.

The other end of the strip 51a is attached to a tubular stop 70 which isformed with a straight, flat face 70a providing a flat surface againstwhich the inner end of the strip is held and against which the adjacentportion of the strip lies to varying degree as explained hereinafter.The face 743a extends parallel to the inner face of the gasket 60a for apurpose which will appear hereinafter. The stop 70 is connected to aguide stem 71 attached to and forming a portion of a float '72.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the stop 70 serves not only asmeans for halting the upward movement of the float 72, but it servesalso to actuate the strips 51a, 511; by transmitting to the attachedends thereof movement corresponding to the movement of the float 72.Also the stop 7'9 provides reaction surfaces 70a and 79b in opposingrelation to the surfaces of the gaskets iia and 66b and against whichthe inner portions of the strips bear. Thus the stop may also be termedan abutment member. The stop 76) is the embodiment shown is secured toand movable with the float ball and may be considered to be part of thefloat. Since the assembly 109 of the float ball, guide stem and stopserves to actuate the strips, it may be termed an actuator.

The stem 72 extends through and is sealingly secured in the ball portion'73 of the float and projects therefrom at each end. At its upper endthe stem 71 is inserted into the stop 70 and is connected thereto as byspinning. The screws Siia serve to connect the ends of the valveelements 51a to the stop 7% as shown particularly in FIG. 2 of thedrawings. Double channel-shaped clips 82a are provided at the side ofthe stop 70 and are secured by the screws 89a for the purpose ofretaining the ends of the valve element 511: against twisting out ofposition relatively to the stop 7 (i. The stem 71 is hollow and receivesthe upstanding guide shaft '74 which is rigidly secured in and upstandsfrom the plate 31. The stem '71 thus serves to guide the float 72 formovement in a vertical direction within the float chamber 35.

The strip 51a is so secured to and supported by the casing and the floatthat in all positions thereof throughout its range of movement from itslower, open position (as shown in full lines in FIG. 2) to its upper,closed position (as shown in broken lines in FIG. 2), it has a free,intermediate portion extending between the portion which bears againstthe face of the gasket 60a and the portion which bears against theopposing face 763a of the stop, which free portion is bent back uponitself and assumes a curved shape. As explained more fully hereinafter,the strip 51a exerts equal and opposed forces on the gasket 69a and theface 70a. However, as the actuator moves up and down the curvature ofthe free portion of the strip 51a changes and the force varies. energystored in the strip varies.

The inner Walls of the orifice plates 45a and 45b and hence the faces ofthe gaskets 69a and 60b are disposed symmetrically with respect to thecentral axis of the casing as are the reaction surfaces which are inopposition to the faces of the gaskets respectively. The actuator ispositioned by the elements 51a and 51b for movement along such axis.

The two valve elements 51a and 51b are connected to the casing 21 and tothe stop '70 at diametrically opposite points whereby the two valves 51aand 51b are disposed in opposition. Accordingly, they exert on the stop70 and accordingly on the float 72 equal and opposite forces so that thefloat normally is freely positioned by the strips 51a and 51!) in thefloat chamber and does not bear against the guide shaft 74-. The guideshaft 74, however, is provided so as to protect the float and stripsfrom damage due to extraneous forces during movement of the aireliminator, as in shipment. Each of the elements 51a and 51b serves as apressure element which yieldably resists lateral displacement of theactuator.

The second strip or element 51b is formed and supported in a similarmanner to the element 51a as above described and cooperates with theinner face of the gasket 6% and the opposing face 76b of the stop 70 ina similar manner.

Since the assembly consisting of the strips 51a and 51b, the stop 76,and the float 72 is freely positioned, the forces exerted by therespective strips 51a and 5112 against the faces of their respectiveorifice plates 45a and 45b (that is, against the gaskets sun and 6%) areequal and the strips therefore are completely balanced against eachother.

Moreover, the arrangement is such that each of the strips 51a and 51b isunder stress throughout its entire range of movement which stress causesthe strip to be urged against its orifice plate, throughout a portion ofthe strip, during its entire range of movement. As will be seen from thedrawings, when the float is in its lower position (as shown in fulllines in FIG. 2) the strips 51a and 51b bear against the faces of theirrespective orifice plates 45a and 45b throughout only the lower portionsof the strips and at an area on each of the orifice plates below theorifices 46a and 46b. However, as the float 72 rises to its upperposition (as shown in broken lines in FIG. 2), as established by theabtument of the stop 70 against the upper wall of the float chamber 35,the strips 51a and 51b bear against greater areas of their respectiveorifice plates and close the orifices 46a and 46b and bear against theplates at portions above the ori fices in order to provide completeclosures for the two orifices 46a and 4612. Thus it will be seen thatstrips 51a and 51b are urged into their positions closing and sealingthe orifices 4s and 46b by the resilience of the strips 51a and 51bthemselves.

In the operation of the air eliminator thus far described, the tank 24is suitably connected to a liquid line (not shown) from which it isdesired to remove air. Assuming that the air has been removed and liquidstands in the head as at a level sufficient to raise the float to itsuppermost position (as illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 2) the strips51a and 51b are in closed positions. Thus the strips lie against theirrespective orifice plates 45a and 45b and extend entirely over andsealingly close the respective orifices 46a and 46b so that no liquidcan escape from the head.

it will be noted that the strips 51a and 51b lie flat against theirrespective orifice plates throughout a substantial zone thereof andparticularly a zone on both sides of and above and below the orifices46a and 4612 so that the latter are fully closed. As noted above, thespring pressure of the strips 51a and 511) provided by reason of theirbowed or arcuate form insures that the closing portions thereof aremaintained against their respective orifice Consequently, the

'2 plates, regardless of whether or not the air or liquid withing thefioat chamber 35 is under pressure.

When air (or other fluid) enters the float chamber 35 from the liquidline such air displaces the liquid in the float chamber 35 and causesthe level to fall. When this occurs, the float 72, which is buoyantlysupported by the liquid, also falls and carries with it the stop 70 towhich the strips 51a and 51b are attached. The downward movement of thestop 70 causes the ends of the strips 51a and 51b attached thereto tomove downwardly in a direction parallel to the faces of the orificeplates with the result that the portions of the strips 51a and 51b whichpreviously lay against the orifice plates are stripped or peeled awayfrom the orifice plates 45a and 45b progressively downwardly and as thedownward movement of the fioat continues the orifices 46a and 46b areprogressively uncovered in a direction from the upper portions thereoftoward the lower portions.

There is a small force resulting from the pressure differential on thetwo sides of each strip which is applied over that portion of the faceof each of the strips which overlies the corresponding orifice and whichforce tends to maintain each strip against its orifice plate to closethe orifice. This force, however, is very small and is relativelyineffective in opposing the opening of the strip. It will be seen thateach of the strips is progressively pulled away from its orifice plateand, owing to the resilience of the strip and the arcuate shape intowhich the strip is forced by the manner in which it is attached to thecasing and to the stop, the strip is moved away from the orifice platein progressively small increments so that only a small portion of thearea of the strip which overlies the orifice plate is moved away fromthe plate at any instant. Thus, the orifice is progressively uncoveredin increments and any fluid pressure-generated force opposing themovement of such small increments of the strip away from the orificeplate is extremely small.

As stated above, each strip is so supported and the arrangement of theassociated elements is such that the free portion of the strip retains acurved shape in all positions of the float. Thus it will be seen that asthe float moves downwardly and carries with it the corresponding end ofthe strip which is secured to the stop 70, the adjacent portion of thestrip is progressively fiattened and the portion of the strip adjacentthe end which is attached to the casing is progressively curved. Inother words, the are or bend in the strip is transferred from a portionnearer to the inner anchored end which is attached to the stop to aportion nearer to the outer anchored end which is attached to thecasing.

It will be understood that the amount of energy stored in the strip byreason of its bent condition depends upon its degree of resistance tobending offered by the strip and primarily that zone of the intermediateportion where the maximum bending takes place. Thus, when the actuatoris moved in a direction to move the zone of maximum bending toward aportion of the strip which exhibits an increased resistance to bending,energy is stored in the strip. In such case, the strip exerts a force onthe actuator along the direction of movement of the actuator opposingmovement of the actuator. This requires that a force be applied to theactuator to move it in such direction. On the other hand, where theactuator is moved in a direction to move the zone of maximum bending toa portion of the strip which exhibits a decreased resistance to bending,energy is given up by the strip. Thus, where the actuator is in such aposition that the resistance to bending of the strip in the portions onopposite sides of the zone of maximum bending is different than at thezone of maximum bending, there will be a force created by the striptending to urge the actuator to a position of less stored energy.

As explained more in detail hereinafter, the strips 51a and 51b in thedevice shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 increase in their resistance to bendingstress progressively in a direction from the end which is fixed to thehousing (which end is indicated by H in FIG. 5A) toward the end which isfixed to the actuator (which end is indicated by A in FIG. 5A). Thus, inall positions of the actuator the 5 strips exert a downwardly directedforce on the actuator along the direction of the axis of the casing,which force progressively decreases as the actuator moves downwardly.Thus, it will be seen that the form of the strips is such that thestrips provide a greater effective weight of the actuator when thelatter is in a lower position than when it is in an upper position.

The rate of the variation in lifting efiect provided by the strips 51aand 51!) is provided as hereinafter explained and can be changed bysuitable construction of the strip.

As soon as the orifices 46a and 4611 have been uncovered by theabove-described opening movement of the strips 510 and 515 the air orother fluid trapped in the float chamber 35 above the level of theliquid in the system and which normally is under some pressure is causedto how out of the float chamber through the orifices 46a and 45b and thevent pipe 43a by which it is conducted to a point of disposal.

Should the liquid level in the fioat chamber fall sulficiently, thedownward movement of the actuator will be halted by it bottoming againstthe plate 31.

When the air or other fluid has been discharged to such an extent thatthe liquid level rises sufiiciently to support and lift the float 72,the latter is elevated and causes the strips 51a and 51b to be moved ina reverse direction to that described above in connection with theopening of the valve. That is to say, that as the float 72 movesupwardly, the strips are caused to progressively move against theirrespective orifice plates to an increasing degree and to progressivelyclose their respective orifices until the orifices are completely closedand the strips extend in contact with their respective orifice platesboth above and below the orifices. When the strips are in closedposition, no further air or other fluid can escape from the fioatchamber 35. It will be understood that during the upward movement of thefloat 72 and the progressive movement of the outer portion of the outerportions of the strips into increasing engagement with their respectiveorifice plates, and the peeling off of the inner portions from thesurfaces 70a and 70b, the zone of maximum curvature of the free portionsis transferred toward the ends attached to the actuator. Thus, theamount of energy stored in the strips increases as the actuator movesupwardly and accordingly the lifting force increases.

The vm'iation in resistance to bending stress of the strip 51a (as wellas all the other forms of strips disclosed herein) is provided byforming the strip of two different components each having a differentspecific resistance to bending stress and suitably joined to form asingle unitary strip. The first component, which preferably is formed ofa material having the greater specific resistance to bending, preferablyis formed of a suitable spring metal such as Elgiloy for example,although it may be formed of a resilient, non-metal material such asrubber, or a synthetic plastic material. The other component preferablyis formed of a material having a lesser specific resistance to bending.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A to SE, the second material may beeither a metal or a non-metallic resilient material such as rubber or asuitable synthetic plastic. In either case, the components are suitablybonded together in face-to-face relation. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 6A to 6E and 8A to 8B, the second component is a synthetic plasticor rubber in which the first component is imbedded. When rubber is usedto form the second component, it preferably is a rubber of approximately40 durometer. Where a synthetic plastic is used, it preferably has aresiliency approximately equal to a 40 durometer rubber. It will beunderstood, however, that the resiliency of both compo- 5 nents is notcritical and that it is only necessary that the strip have sufficientresiliency to operate in the manner described and to seal the orifice inthose cases where an orifice is provided.

Preferably, the strip is of uniform width and thickness throughout itslength. In fact, all of the various strips disclosed herein may be ofuniform overall dimensions and thus can be selected and installedinterchangeably in an actuator mechanism without modification of theremainder of the mechanism.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and A, the strip 51a includes a first component162 formed preferably of spring metal and a second component 103 formedpreferably of metal having a lesser'specific resistance to bendingstress disposed in face-to-face relation with the first component andbonded thereto. The first component 102 increases in thickness from theend H which is adapted to be attached to the housing toward the end Awhich is adapted to be attached to the actuator. Thus the strip 51aincreases in its resistance to bending from the end H to the end A. Thusit will be seen that the construction of the air eliminator shown inFIGS. 1 to 3 in utilizing the strips 51a and 5111 (one of which is shownin detail in FIG. 5a) provides a construction in which in all positionsof the actuator there is a downward force exerted on the actuator by thestrips. This has the elfect of adding weight to the float and thisexpedient can be employed in lieu of ballasting the actuator, such asmay be necessary, for example, where the actuator is used with arelatively heavy liquid. This construction is used where it is desiredto open the valves more quickly with less inertia, because the apparentmass of the actuator in its upper position exceeds its true weight,which force is available in a mechanical advantage of two to one forclosing the valves.

In FIGS. SE to SE, there are shown other forms of laminated strips whichprovide different variations in resistance to bending strips than thestrip 51a and which may be substituted for the strips 17a and 51b in theair eliminator of FIGS. 1 to 3.

The strip 104 shown in FIG. 513 includes a first component 1G5 fonned ofa material having a predetermined resistance to bending stress and asecond component 196 formed of a material having a lesser resistance tobending stress. The first component '5 tapers in thickness from the endH adapted to be fixed to the housing to the end A, adapted to be fixedto the actuator. This strip thus provides an efliect which is thereverse of the effect provided by the strip 51a. In other words, theresistance to bending increases as the actuator moves downward.Consequently, the construction provides a lesser efiective weight forthe actuator when the latter is in its lower position. Where this stripis used, there is an upward force on the actuator created by the strips.This construction is used, for example, where it is desired to reducethe effective mass of the actuator so that there is little or noinertial effect in closing and a greater effective mass available foropening the valves.

The strip 107 shown in FIG. 6C includes a first component 168 and asecond component 109 having a lesser resistance to bending than thefirst component. It is so formed as to have the greatest resistance tobending stress at its central portion. This is accomplished byincreasing the thickness of the component iii?) from adjacent the end Htoward the central portion and then decreasing the thickness from thecentral portion toward the end A. Thus, when the actuator is in itslower position, there is less resistance to the upward force of theactuator. However, this resistance increases until the actuator reachesa mid-position and the Zone of maxi-mum bending is approximately at thecentral portion of the strip.

Upon further movement of the actuator, the zone of bending occurs at aportion of the strip wherein the component 163 is decreasing inthickness and thus the resistance to the movement of the actuatordecreases. Thus, it will be seen that when the actuator moves upwardlyfrom its lowermost position toward its uppermost position, there isfirst a downward force on the actuator, which delays the upper movementof the actuator, whereafter there is an upward force on the actuator.This change takes place quickly and thus there is a toggle or over thecenter action. The arrangement preferably is such that theover-centering action takes place just as the strips tend to close theadjacent orifice and thus the orifice is closed rapidly. Thus there isno delay in closing the orifice once the actuator has moved intoposition to do so. This construction is used where it is desired to havethe valves either opened or closed at a minimum time interval, as, forexample, where it is desired to avoid any wire drawing effect. The quickclosing of the valves permits the valves to remain in relatively openposition until they are actuated to close the orifice. At the same time,the construction provides a quick opening of the valves when the liquidlevel falls.

In some instances, it maybe desirable that the strips exert no upwardnor downward force on the actuator in one portion of its travel andexert a force axially in one direction when the other is in anotherportion of its travel. Strips suitable for such operation are shown inFIGS. 5-D and 5E.

In the case of the strip 110 shown in FIG. 5D, the first component 111tapers in thickness from adjacent the end H to the central portion andis of uniform thickness from the central portion to adjacent the end A.Thus the strip 110 decreases in resistance to bending stress from theend H to the central portion and has a uniform resistance to bendingstress throughout the remaining portion. Where strips of this form areused in the air eliminator, there is an upward force on the actuatorwhen the latter is in its lower position, and after it passes thecentral position, there is no force exerted on the actuator by thestrips. This construction is used where it is desired to have a rapidinitial closing action followed by a normal further closing action. Suchconstruction is em ployed, for example, where fluid in the fluidseparator is under high pressure and it is desired that the full weightof the actuator be available to open the valves. On the other hand, whenthe actuator is in its lower position, it will respond quickly to riseto the liquid level of the chamber.

In the case of the strip 113 shown in FIG. 5E, the construction is suchthat the resistance to bending is the reverse of that of the strip inthe strip 110 shown in FIG. 51). In this case, the strip 113 is formedwith a first component 114 which is of uniform thickness from the end Hto the central portion and increases in thickness from the centralportion to the end A. For such a strip, the strips neither add to norsubtract from the weight of the float of the actuator when the latter isin its lower position, but serves to provide a greater effective weightwhen the actuator moves to its upper position. Thus the actuator willrespond normally when in its lower position, but will open the valverapidly when the liquid level falls at a time when the actuator is inits upper position.

In the case of the strips shown in FIGS. 5A to 5B, the two componentspreferably are complemental in thickness and the strip has a uniformthickness.

The strips shown in FIGS. 6A to 6B correspond generally in their actionsrespectively to the strips shown in FIGS. 5A to SE. However, theconstruction is somewhat diiierent. In the strips shown in FIGS. 6A to6B, the first component is formed preferably of spring metal and variesin width in the various portions or" its length; it is preferably ofuniform thickness. It is imbedded in the second component which isformed of a material such as synthetic plastic or rubber and ispreferably of uniform width and thickness. The composite-strip may beconstructed by forming the second component around the first component.

The strip 120, shown in FTGS. 6A and 7, includes a 1 l first component121 preferably of spring metal which is imbedded in the second component122, preferably of synthetic plastic or rubber. The first component 121increases in width adjacent the end H toward the end A and thus thestrip increases in its resistance to bending stress from adjacent theend H to adjacent the end A.

The strip 123, shown in FIG. 613, includes a first component 124imbedded in the second compartment 125 and tapers in width from adjacentthe end H to adjacent the end A.

The strip 126, shown in FIG. 6C, includes a first component 127 imbeddedin a second component 128. The first component increases in width fromadjacent the end H to the central portion and then decreases in widthfrom the central portion to adjacent the end A.

A strip 129, shown in FIG. 6;), includes a first component 13b imbeddedin a second component 131. A first component 130 decreases in width fromadja cut the end H to the central portion and then is of uniform widthfrom the central portion to adjacent the end A.

The strip 132, shown in PPS. 6E, includes a first component 133 imbeddedin a second component 134. The first component is of uniform width andadjacent the end H to adjacent the central portion and then increases inwidth from the central portion to adjacent the end A.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A to SE, there is shown a modified form of a setof strips which correspond generally in their resistance stress tobending to the strips shown in FIGS. A to SE, respectively. However, thefirst component is constituted by a plurality of elongate members suchas wires or rods imbedded in the second component. It will be understoodas the description proceeds that the variation in resistance to bendingstress of the strips 8A to SE is not uniform and progressive as in thecase of the strips 5A to SE, but occurs in steps. However, the overallgeneral efiect of the resistance to bending is analogous to that of thestrips 5A to SE, respectively.

The strip 135, shown in FIGS. 8A, 9 and 10, includes a second component136 formed of material such as a synthetic plastic or rubber havingimbedded therein a first component consisting of a plurality of rods orwires formed of a material having a greater resistance to bending stresssuch as spring steel.

The first component preferably includes a plurality of rods or wires137, 138, 139 and 140, disposed in spaced relation and extendingparallel to the longitudinal axis of the strip 135. The rods or wiresare of different lengths and so arranged as to provide the effect of agenerally tapering form of the first component. To this end, a singleseries of rods or wires 137, 138 and 14%, may be provided but preferablya symmetrical arrangement such as illustrated in FIG. 8A is employed.More particularly, the first component includes a pair of short rods orwires 137 which extend from adjacent the end A toward the end H for ashort distance. A second pair of rods or wires 138 are provided whichextend for a somewhat greater length than the members 137. A third pairof members 139 extend for a still further distance in the direction ofthe end H than the members 153. Finally, a single, central member 14% isprovided which extends from adjacent the end A to adjacent the end H.

Referring now to FIG. 8B, there is shown a strip 141 including a secondcomponent 142 in which is imbedded wires 143, 144, 145 and 146 arrangedin a reverse mannor from the members forming a first component of thestrip 136. In other words, the shortest members 14-3 are locatedadjacent the end H. The next longest member 144 extends further towardthe end portion A. The still longer members 145 extend for a furtherdistance and the single central member 146 extends to adjacent the endportion A.

The strip 150, shown in FIG. 8C, includes a second component 151 inwhich the first component is imbedded. The first component includes apair of short members 152 which are located adjacent the central portionof the strip. A second pair of members 153, somewhat longer than themembers 152, are located so as to extend beyond the members 152 in bothdirections. A third pair of members 154 are still longer than themembers 153 and extend beyond the ends of the latter in both directions.Finally, the single, longest member 155 extends from adjacent the end Hto adjacent the end A.

The strip 156, shown in FIG. 8D, comprises a construction which, asabove noted, is generally equivalent in its resistance to bending stressto the construction shown in FlG. 5D. The strip 156 includes a secondcomponent 157 in which is imbedded members 158, 159, 169 and 161. Themembers 158 extend for a short dis tance from adjacent the end H towardthe end A. The members 159 extend for a further distance from adjacentthe end H; the members 150 extend for a still further distance, and themember 161 extends adjacent the central portion of the strip 156. Thereare no rods or wires in the portion of the strip from adjacent thecentral portion to adjacent the end A. Thus, this portion of the striphas a resistance to bending stress which is provided solely by theresilience of the material of the second component In this portion ofthe strip, the second component is of uniform width and thickness ofmaterial, and the resistance to bending stress is uniform throughputsuch portion. However, as will be understood from the foregoingdescription, the bending stress in the portion of the strip in which themembers 153, 159, 160 and 161 are imbedded will vary in accordance withthe amount of material of the first component.

The strip 162, shown in FIG. 8B, includes a second component 163 and afirst component consisting of rods or wires 164, 165, 166 and 167. Asecond component is located in the portion of the strip between thecentral portion and the end A and thus the action is the reverse of thatprovided by the strip shown in FIG. 8D.

It will be understood that in connection with all of the forms of stripsherein shown, the resistance to bending stress at any portion along thelength of the strip will be determined by the cross-sectional area ofthe material and primarily by the cross-sectional area of the materialforming the first component. That is to say, that the portion of thestrip where the cross-sectional area of the first component is thegreatest, the strip will have at that section the greatest resistance tobending stress and, where the cross-sectional area of the firstcomponent at any point along the length of the strip is the smallest,the strip will have the least resistance to bending stress.

It will be understood that any of the strips disclosed herein may besubstituted for the strips 51a and 51b in the iluid separator of FIGS. 1to 3. It will be understood that where such other strips are substitutedthe two strips will be identical to each other.

I claim:

1. A fiuid separator comprising casing means defining a chamber andproviding a set of faces opposed relatively to an axis, an actuatormovable along said axis and a plurality of normally fiat resilient stripmembers, said strip members having first portions secured to said meansadjacent said faces, respectively, and second portions secured to saidactuator, said first and second portions of each strip member beingspaced apart by a third and intermediate portion which is free andmaintained in bowed shape, each strip member being formed at each ofvarious portions along the length of the intermediate portion of amaterial having a different specific resistance to bending stress, eachof said strip members being bent back upon itself and being ofsuflicient length so it forms two generally opposed portions, one lyingagainst the corresponding face whereby each of the strip members exertsa force on the face with which it cooperates and said strip membersposition the actuator on the axis for movement therealong between afirst position wherein said strip members lie against the correspondingfaces to a predetermined extent and a second position wherein said stripmembers lie against said faces to a lesser extent, at least one of saidfaces having an orifice opening into said chamber and positioned to beclosed by the corresponding strip member when said actuator is in saidfirst position and to be exposed when said actuator is in said secondposition.

2. A fluid separator according to claim 1 wherein each of said stripmembers includes a first component formed of a first material and asecond component formed of a second material having a different specificresistance to ending stress than said first material.

3. A fluid separator according to claim 2 wherein said first componentincreases in total transverse cross-sectional area from the end of andintermediate portion which is nearest to said first portion and towardthe end which is nearest said second portion.

4. A fluid separator according to claim 2 wherein said first componentdecreases in total transverse cross-sectional area from the end of saidintermediate portion which is nearest to said first portion and towardthe end which is nearest said second portion.

5. A fluid separator according to claim 2 wherein said first componentincreases in total transverse cross-sectional area from the end of saidintermediate portion which is nearest said first portion to the centralzone of said intermediate portion and then decreases in totalcross-sectional area from said control Zone to the end which is nearestsaid second portion.

6. A fluid separator according to claim 2 wherein said first componentdecreases in total cross-sectional area from the end of saidintermediate portion which is nearest said first portion and toward thecentral zone of said intermediate portion.

7. A fluid separator according to claim 2 wherein said first componentincreases in total cross-sectional area from the end of saidintermediate portion which is nearest to said second portion and towardthe central zone of said intermediate portion.

8. A fluid separator according to claim 1 wherein each of said stripmembers is formed from two materials each having a different specificresistance to bending stress.

9. A fiuid separator according to claim 1 wherein each strip member isformed of laminations bonded together with the laminations being formedrespectively of materials having different specific resistances tobending stress.

10. A fluid separator according to claim 1 wherein each strip is formedof a first material having imbedded therein a member formed of a secondmaterial having a different specific resistance to bending stress thansaid first material.

11. A fluid separator according to claim 1 wherein each strip member isformed of a first material having imbedded therein a plurality ofmembers formed of a material having a different specific resistance tobending 1dstress than said first material, said plurality of membersbeing disposed side by side and extending in the direction of the lengthof said strip.

12. A fluid separator comprising casing means defining a chamber andproviding a set of faces opposed relatively to an axis, an actuatormovable along said axis and a piurality of normally flat resilient stripmembers, said strip members having first portions secured to said meansadjacent said faces, respectively, and second portions secured to saidactuator, said first and second portions of each strip member beingspaced apart by a third and intermediate portion which is free andmaintained in bowed shape, each strip member being formed of at leasttwo different materials each having a different specific resistance tobending stress, said strip having at each of various portions along thelength of the intermediate portion a different resistance to bendingstress, each of said strip members being bent back upon itself and beingof sufiicient length so it forms two generally opposed portions, onetying against the corresponding face whereby each of the strip membersexerts a force on the face with which it cooperates and said stripmembers position the actuator on the axis for movement therealongbetween a first position wherein said strip members lie against thecorresponding faces to a predetermined extent and a second positionwherein said strip members lie against said faces to a lesser extent, atleast one of said faces having an orifice opening into said chamber andpositioned to be closed by the corresponding strip member when saidactuator is in said first position and to be exposed when said actuatoris in said second position.

13. An actuator mechanism comprising means providing a set of facesopposed relatively to an axis, an actuator movable along said axis and aplurality of normally fiat resilient strip members, said strip membershaving first portions secured to said means adjacent said faces,respectively, and second portions secured to said actuator, said firstand second portions of each strip member being spaced apart by a thirdand intermediate portion which is free and maintained in bowed shape,each strip member being formed at each of various portions along thelength of the intermediate portion of a material having a differentspecific resistance to bending stress, each of said strip members beingbent back upon itself and being of sufiicient length so it forms twogenerally opposed portions, one lying against the corresponding faceswhereby each of the strip members exerts a force on the face with whichit cooperates and said strip members position the actuator on the axisfor movement therealong between a first position wherein said stripmembers lie against the corresponding faces to a predetermined extentand a second position wherin said strip members lie against said facesto a lesser extent.

No references cited.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent N00 5 131709 May 5 1964 George B, Richards It is hereby certified that errorappears in the above numbered patent req'liring correction and that thesaid Letters Patentshould read as corrected below.

Column 5 line 48 for "72 read 71 column 7 lines 1 and 2 for withing"read within column 11, line 8 for "compartment" read component *0 Signedand sealed this 19th day of January 1965.

(SEA-L) \ttest:

ERNEST ,W. SWIDER testing .()fficer EDWARD J. BRENNER Commissioner ofPatents

1. A FLUID SEPARATOR COMPRISING CASING MEANS DEFINING A CHAMBER ANDPROVIDING A SET OF FACES OPPOSED RELATIVELY TO AN AXIS, AN ACTUATORMOVABLE ALONG SAID AXIS AND A PLURALITY OF NORMALLY FLAT RESILIENT STRIPMEMBERS, SAID STRIP MEMBERS HAVING FIRST PORTIONS SECURED TO SAID MEANSADJACENT SAID FACES, RESPECTIVELY, AND SECOND PORTIONS SECURED TO SAIDACTUATOR, SAID FIRST AND SECOND PORTIONS OF EACH STRIP MEMBER BEINGSPACED APART BY A THIRD AND INTERMEDIATE PORTION WHICH IS FREE ANDMAINTAINED IN BOWED SHAPE, EACH STRIP MEMBER BEING FORMED AT EACH OFVARIOUS PORTIONS ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE INTERMEDIATE PORTION OF AMATERIAL HAVING A DIFFERENT SPECIFIC RESISTANCE TO BENDING STRESS, EACHOF SAID STRIP MEMBERS BEING BENT BACK UPON ITSELF AND BEING OFSUFFICIENT LENGTH SO IT FORMS TWO GENERALLY OPPOSED PORTIONS, ONE LYINGAGAINST THE CORRESPONDING FACE WHEREBY EACH OF THE STRIP MEMBERS EXERTSA FORCE ON THE FACE WITH WHICH IT COOPERATES AND SAID STRIP MEMBERSPOSITION THE ACTUATOR ON THE AXIS FOR MOVEMENT THEREALONG BETWEEN AFIRST POSITION WHEREIN SAID STRIP MEMBERS LIE AGAINST THE CORRESPONDINGFACES TO A PREDETERMINED EXTENT AND A SECOND POSITION WHEREIN SAID STRIPMEMBERS LIE AGAINST SAID FACES TO A LESSER EXTENT, AT LEAST ONE OF SAIDFACES HAVING AN ORIFICE OPENING INTO SAID CHAMBER AND POSITIONED TO BECLOSED BY THE CORRESPONDING STRIP MEMBER WHEN SAID ACTUATOR IS IN SAIDFIRST POSITION AND TO BE EXPOSED WHEN SAID ACTUATOR IS IN SAID SECONDPOSITION.